Alborz

The Alborz Mountains, also spelled Elburz, are a major mountain range in northern Iran. Running roughly parallel to the southern shore of the Caspian Sea, the range extends about 720 kilometers from the western border with Azerbaijan toward the east near Turkmenistan, forming a natural barrier between the Caspian coastal plain and the Iranian plateau.

The highest point in Iran lies within the Alborz: Mount Damavand, at about 5,671 meters, a stratovolcano located near Tehran and a dominant landmark in the region. The range consists of numerous peaks, ridges, and passes that support varied climates and ecosystems along its length.

Geologically, the Alborz Mountains were formed during the Cenozoic era as part of the broader Alpine-Himalayan orogeny, resulting from the ongoing collision between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The mountains remain seismically active, contributing to Iran’s complex earthquake activity.

Climatically, the northern slopes receive substantial precipitation from Caspian air masses, supporting temperate forests and lush vegetation, while the southern slopes are generally drier and warmer. Snowfields and glaciers persist on the higher elevations, sustaining streams that feed rivers across the region. The Alborz hosts diverse flora and fauna and contains protected areas and parks. The range also supports recreational use, including ski resorts on its northern and southern slopes, and serves as a popular destination for hiking and mountaineering.

Human settlement concentrates along the foothills and near major cities such as Tehran, with the range influencing local water resources, climate, and travel routes across northern Iran.